024 Parent Perspective of Modeling with Model Mom Tonya and Texas Teen Model Bella Fenolgio The Real Model Talk

Bella is a Texas teen model that has been modeling for about 6 years. She started out as a signed model, then moved into freelance modeling, and is now signed with a non-exclusive talent agency. In this episode we will be talking with Bella and her "momager" Tonya to get a parents perspective of starting a child out in the modeling industry. 

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[02:26] (Tonya) "I had a friend whose daughter was modeling and that's kind of  how I started with all the connections, and she introduced us to some photographers and we got her signed with a modeling agency and it kind of took off from there."

[04:30] Topic: Texas Teen Models Official

[09:30] Topic: Bellas perspective of agency vs freelance modeling

[10:35] (Tonya) "Her messages come through my phone and I always check and make sure the person is legitamite and if a photographer asks to shoot with her I always go with her, she is never allowed to go by herself."

[10:58] (Tonya) "If somebody reaches out then we look at their social media and then we always, if we dont know them personally, we'll see if they've shot with somebody we do know and then i contact that person and say 'hey did you like so and so' and kind of get their feel for the person and then we go from there."

[11:30] Topic: What kind of gigs Bella has booked as a freelance model 

[17:40] Topic: Coco Rocha Model Camp experience as a teen model

[26:41] Topic: What the beginning of Bellas modeling career looked like for her mom 

[31:55] (Tonya) "Most reputable photographers do not even hesitate to pay for an experienced model." 

[35:00] (Bella) "I've always been a lot more mature and so I think that's why this industry has benefited me as much as it has."

[35:12] (Bella) "Even when I was super young I would get jobs and I would be working with all 20 year olds and I was 14 so it has really shaped me in really positive ways."

[35:23] (Bella) "One of the things I really have been thankful for starting out in modeling is I've met sooo many amazing people."

[39:35] Topic: Tips for parents that are taking care of their child models social media

[39:43] (Tonya)  "Network and do test shoots with as many photographers, of quality, that you can."

[40:00] (Bella) "99.9 percent of the jobs that I get are through Instagram."

[40:10] (Bella) "As a freelance model, social media is HUGE in growing your career."

[42:45] Topic: Steps taken to protect Bella as a young model on social media 

[44:08] (Tonya) "The block list is long"

[45:20] (Tonya) "Always go with a chaperone, I don't care if you are 17 or 25. Do NOT go alone. Period. Ever."

[47:25] (Bella) "Always put your best foot forward and be kind to everybody because you never know what one job is going to turn into or who you are around or who you are meeting."

[47:51] (Tonya)  "Be cautious and really make sure that you are working with reputable people that are out for your best interest."



Where you can find Bella online:

Instagram & TikTok: @bellafenolgio 

Instagram: @bellasmodelingcloset








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